Why do we need local laws protecting LGBT residents? Lansing area officials weigh in

East Lansing Mayor Pro Tem speaks in support of enacting local non-discrimination ordinances that protect LGBT citizens. East Lansing enacted the first such policy in the nation 40 years ago. Angela Wittrock | MLive.com

LANSING, MI -- A group of Lansing-area state, county and municipal lawmakers today launched One Capitol Region, a coalition of local elected officials committed to passing local legislation outlawing discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people.

One year ago, a coalition of local elected officials came together to demand the state Legislature expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for gay and transgender people.

Here’s what individual coalition members are saying about why expanding civil and human rights laws to include protections for LGBT persons is good policy.

Nathan Triplett, East Lansing Mayor Pro Tem:

“As a state, and as individual communities, we are in a pitched battle to attract and retain a talented workforce upon which a thriving 21st Century economy can be based,” he said.

“We know that talent is concentrated, and economic development occurs, in vibrant, inclusive, and diverse communities. As a result, these nondiscrimination policies are not just the right thing to do, they are an economic imperative for Michigan.”

East Lansing was the first municipality in the nation to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, passing a non-discrimination ordinance that included protections for LGBT persons in 1972.

Meridian Township Trustee Angela Wilson:

“We as locals feel like like the needle may be moving slowly at the federal and state levels, but that doesn’t stop us from supporting it at the local level for our residents,” Wilson said. “We can do something about this in our own communities.”

“I cannot believe that in 2013, right here in Meridian, it is legal to fire someone from their job just because they are gay or transgender. That isn’t right! Everyone should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our city. It’s time for us to step up and make that happen.”

Delta Township Supervisor Ken Fletcher:

“As a leader here in Delta Township, it is my hope that we are all treated fairly and equally. Passing a non-discrimination ordinance that makes sure all of us -- gay, straight, transgender -- are protected,” he said. “We are all called on to treat our neighbors as we would like to be treated. That’s what this ordinance would do.”

Delhi Township Clerk Evan Hope:

“Over 20 cities here in Michigan, and over 100 in the country, have successfully passed ordinances prohibiting discrimination,” he said. “It’s time for Delhi to join these cities. It’s time for Delhi to make sure everyone is treated fairly and equally.”

Emily Dievendorf, Equality Michigan managing director:

“Local human rights ordinances serve two important purposes. First, they protect as many people as possible sooner rather than later -- in absence of state laws,” she said. “Second, they make the statement that the state is not taking a stand for LGBT citizens.”

State Rep. Andy Schor, D-Lansing:

“These local ordinances put pressure on the state Legislature to step up.”

State Rep. Sam Singh, D-East Lansing:

“There’s a level of pressure when local communities act...hopefully that will have an effect on the state Legislature to act.”

Lansing City Clerk Chris Swope and Ingham County Register of Deeds Curtis Hertel Jr. were also in attendance and support the effort.

Local officials in Meridian, Delta and Delhi Twps. plan to introduce their non-discrimination ordinances in the next two months. All are confident the legislation will pass.